sport news Swansea boss Carlos Carvalhal backs VAR to work

Swansea manager Carlos Carvalhal feels the controversial Video Assistant Referee system has the capacity to work, just as he believes it has done in his native Portugal.

The VAR system was once again the centre of attention during Tottenham's FA Cup replay win against Rochdale on Wednesday night as several decisions prompted confusion and controversy.

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino later claimed the stop-start nature of VAR could 'kill the emotion' of the game, while former Premier League referee Mark Halsey highlighted the mistakes he felt were made at Wembley after video scrutiny.

Swansea boss Carlos Carvalhal feels the controversial VAR system has the capacity to work

But Carvalhal said: 'It is a question of attitude. The VAR started in Portugal last season and I saw some games where it was very strange.

'But after that people adapted to it and I think there are a lot of positives in the decisions.

'The referees are very good, but in that moment they didn't see something crucial to the game and it can cause a big damage in the final result.

'If we can have something that helps the referees to take a better decision I am happy to see it in a good way.

'I understand the protocol when a goal is scored and the referee must hear it in his ear whether it is valid or not.

Referee Paul Tierney makes the 'square in the air' signal for a VAR decision at Wembley

The referee waits for a decision from the VAR officials during Tottenham's win over Rochdale

'I know it is strange for the fans and the men analysing can also make